BARRY BONUS
Gareth on Premier mission
GARETH BARRY is determined to right the wrongs of West Brom’s relegation last season – and extend his Premier League appearance record.
Skipper Barry, 37, was in superb form back at his old club to help keep the visitors’ aim of automatic promotion alive.
Both sets of fans applauded the former Villa captain, and title-winner with Manchester City, when he was subbed late on in the derby.
It is a big turnaround for Barry, who was one of four senior Baggies pros fined for taking a taxi on a drunken night out in Spain last year.
A sorry campaign ended with Albion bottom and Barry could have left on a free but opted to exercise his option for another 12 months.
Now he is hoping for another crack at the Premier League – where he holds the appearance record of 653.
He said: “A big part of me wanted to stay and not just run away after relegation, which is not really in my character.
“I took responsibility as well as a lot of other players who have hung around.
Great
“It would be amazing if I was to play in the Premier League again.
“If that was to happen that would mean we have done something special this season.
“It would be a great achievement on the back of last season.
“To take on this challenge when everyone was at the lowest point, it would be a fantastic bounce-back if it did happen and be right up there as a great achievement in my career.”
Barry, who had never played outside the top tier before this season, added: “There is no better feeling than winning a game of football whether it is in the Championship or Premier League. It is as much fun challenging up the top as scrapping relegation.
“I am enjoying the football and the coaching staff are looking after me because I can’t play and train all the time.”
The left-footer dictated play to help Albion see it out after leading 2-0 at the break from Hal Robson-Kanu’s header and Jay Rodriguez’s 17th strike of the season.
And Barry’s substitution to generous applause was a sweet moment after representing Villa with distinction from 1997 to 2009.
He said: “It was very odd. To lead West Brom in a derby game felt slightly strange.
“It was a great feeling to get an ovation at the end.
“I won’t forget the 12 years I spent here and, you never know, I may never play at Villa Park again, so I was happy I went off in that way.”